A house is more than somewhere which solely offers shelter. It is a place which can define our early years, is a space for socialising, and a place where we can take refuge and unwind. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been confined to our homes more than ever, so having a healthy home has become increasingly important.
Having quality housing is indeed a social issue which needs to be tackled. Just over a third of households in the UK suffered problems relating to affordability, over-crowding, or poor-quality housing going into the Covid-19 pandemic.
This has proven to be a significant problem relating to health, and has even been found to increase the spread of Covid-19. So, what factors contribute to a healthy home and what are their implications?
Space to relax and unwind
Having a comfortable environment to come back to after a tough day at work is an essential part of looking after your mental health. Ideally, your space should be designed and furnished in a way that can give you space to relax and ease stress. Furthermore, a home with enough room for you to socialise with friends and family or take up new hobbies can help to increase your enjoyment and satisfaction in life.
However, not everyone has the privilege of this, which is why people from low-income households are more likely to experience health-related problems as a result of poor-quality housing.
New builds can provide a healthy living space and are often more financially viable with help to buy schemes and other support programs. The majority are built in a way which accommodates modern living – such as having an open-plan design and better energy efficiency.
Living environment
The cleanliness, air quality, and presence of hazards all play into the overall quality of your home. For example, poor quality housing may have chemical and biological hazards such as mould, asbestos, or lead present. This can cause health problems such as developmental disorders, cancer, and asthma.
Additionally, poor-quality housing may feature faulty heating and other problems with certain appliances. Unfortunately, those on low-incomes may not be able to afford repairs, which mean they have to suffer in silence.
Life and career progression
A home which cares for both your physical and emotional needs is essential. Without the presence of a healthy and supportive home, it is difficult to focus on other areas of development in your life. This is exactly why society does not compete on a level playing field.
Once you have the stability of good quality housing, you can begin to foster the improvement of your relationships, career, or personal goals.
Safety and Security
Feeling safe and secure are fundamental and primal human needs. A secure home may refer to the physical security of the building i.e., having windows that lock. However, this can also refer to the community you live in and whether your neighbourhood looks out for one another, for example.
All of these factors are essential in creating a healthy living standard. With their absence, households may be at risk of mental and physical health problems. Making good-quality housing accessible to everyone in the UK is essential.
